Macron could announce on Thursday the introduction of a voluntary military service in France

The French President Emmanuel Macron could announce on Thursday the introduction of a voluntary military service, a project that has been under consideration for several months in the context of international tensions and the war at Europe's borders, AFP reports. The idea, aimed at strengthening national cohesion and creating an additional reserve in case of crisis, could target between 10,000 and 50,000 young people annually, for an estimated period of ten months, compensated with a few hundred euros. Although the Ministry of Defense has not provided clear details, the initiative is supported by part of the political class, while other leaders remain hesitant. The project adds to the debates regarding the future of the Universal National Service, launched in 2019 and aimed at adolescents.